Acheter une Villa à Marrakech

Buy a Villa Off-Plan vs Resale Villa in Marrakech

Youness Bermime Dec 15, 2025

When planning to buy a villa in Marrakech, you have two options: buy off-plan or acquire an existing villa. Each choice involves specific advantages, risks, and constraints.

Off-plan purchases (VEFA) promise attractive prices but carry significant risks in Morocco. Resale offers security and visibility but at higher prices.

This guide provides a detailed comparison of these two approaches to help inform your decision. With Celestia Invest, benefit from expert guidance regardless of your choice.

Off-Plan Villa (VEFA): Definition and How It Works
Resale Villa: Characteristics
Complete Comparison Table
Price Comparison
Legal Aspects and Security
Financing Options
Specific Risks of Each Option
Timelines and Availability
Which Purchase for Which Profile?

Off-Plan Villa (VEFA): Definition and How It Works

What is VEFA?

VEFA (Vente en l'État Futur d'Achèvement, or Sale in Future State of Completion) is a real estate purchase where the buyer pays for a property before its complete construction. The transfer of ownership occurs progressively as the work advances.

According to article 618-1 of the Code of Obligations and Contracts (law 44-00): "The sale of a property in future state of completion transfers ownership to the buyer progressively as construction proceeds."

In practice in Morocco, VEFA more closely resembles a private sale promise with deposits paid directly to the developer.

Off-Plan Purchase Process

Step 1 - Reservation: Payment of reservation deposit (5-10% of price). Signing of sale promise or preliminary contract.

Step 2 - Payment schedule: Staggered payments according to work progress. Typically: 30% at signing, 40% during construction, 30% at delivery.

Step 3 - Site monitoring: Regular visits to verify progress. Photos and progress reports (recommended).

Step 4 - Delivery: Property handover with inspection. Signing of authentic deed at notary. Obtaining land title (if subdivision created).

Moroccan Legal Framework

Two laws govern VEFA: law 44-00 (sale in future state of completion) and law 107-12 (completion guarantees). Despite these texts, protections remain limited compared to international standards.

The notary only intervenes at delivery, not during construction. No mandatory escrow account to secure funds. Completion guarantees rarely applied in practice.

Moroccan Specificity: No Immediate Land Title

Crucial point: as long as construction is not completed and the subdivision created, there is no individual land title. Without a land title, it's impossible to obtain bank credit or mortgage the property.

Consequence: off-plan purchases in Morocco generally require full payment with personal funds or via the payment schedule offered by the developer.

Advantages of Off-Plan Purchase

Attractive prices: 15-25% lower than secondary market depending on project
Customization possible: Choice of finishes, minor modifications
New property: No immediate work needed
Builder warranties: Theoretical ten-year guarantee
Staggered payment: 12-24 months without bank interest
Potential capital gain: Value appreciation between purchase and delivery

Major Disadvantages and Risks

Delivery delays: Frequent, can reach 6 months to 2 years
Construction defects: Quality sometimes below promises
Developer insolvency: Risk of construction stoppage or bankruptcy
Deposits difficult to recover: In case of dispute or abandonment
No bank financing: Complete personal funds required
No prior visit: Purchase based on plans and models only
Possible non-compliance: Differences between promises and reality

Resale Villa: Security and Visibility

Resale Characteristics

Resale purchase concerns an already built villa, occupied or not. The property physically exists and can be visited before purchase.

The land title is already established, facilitating all administrative procedures. The notary intervenes from the beginning to secure the transaction.

Resale Purchase Process

Step 1 - Search and visits: Visit of existing property, multiple times if necessary. Evaluation of actual condition, finishes, environment. Verification of land title and documents.

Step 2 - Negotiation: Purchase offer to seller. Price and condition negotiation. Negotiation margin generally 5-10%.

Step 3 - Sale agreement: Signing of sale promise at notary or lawyer. Deposit payment 10-20% held by notary. Suspensive period for verifications (30-45 days).

Step 4 - Financing: Bank credit arrangement if necessary (possible with existing land title). Obtaining bank preliminary approval.

Step 5 - Authentic deed: Final signing at notary. Payment of balance and related fees. Registration of new owner on land title. Immediate key handover.

Resale Advantages

Total visibility: Actual condition of property verified during visits
Immediate availability: Quick move-in after signing
Established land title: Maximum legal security
Bank credit possible: Financing facilitated with mortgage
Notary involved from start: Continuous legal protection
Known environment: Neighborhood, infrastructure, accessibility verifiable
Negotiation possible: Non-fixed price, open discussion
Verifiable history: Work invoices, consumption, known taxes

Resale Disadvantages

Higher price: 15-25% higher than comparable new property
Possible work: Renovations, updates to plan
No customization: Property as-is, modifications after purchase
Variable condition: Maintenance dependent on previous seller
Normal wear: Equipment, paint, coverings to refresh
Imposed style: Pre-existing architecture and decoration

Complete Comparison Table

Criteria	Off-Plan Villa (VEFA)	Resale Villa
Purchase price	✅ 15-25% cheaper	❌ Full market price
Property visibility	❌ Plans and models only	✅ Complete visit possible
Availability	❌ 12-36 month wait	✅ Immediate (1-3 months)
Land title	❌ Absent during construction	✅ Existing and verified
Bank financing	❌ Impossible without title	✅ Mortgage accessible
Legal security	⭐⭐ Average (significant risks)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Maximum
Necessary work	✅ None (new)	⚠️ Possible (variable condition)
Customization	✅ Limited finish choices	❌ After purchase only
Delay risk	❌ High (6-24 months common)	✅ None
Defect risk	❌ Significant	✅ Condition verified
Notary	⚠️ Absent until delivery	✅ Present from start
Price negotiation	⭐⭐ Limited (fixed rates)	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wide (5-10%)
Potential capital gain	✅ Strong (15-30% delivery)	⭐⭐⭐ Normal (long term)
Environment	❌ Unknown (developing area)	✅ Verifiable on site

Detailed Price Comparison

Off-Plan Villa: Budget Example

4-bedroom villa, 300 m², 1,000 m² land - Route d'Amizmiz

Item	Amount
Developer sale price	3,800,000 MAD
Reservation fees (5%)	190,000 MAD
Staggered payments 18 months	3,610,000 MAD
VAT 20% (included)	Included in price
Notary fees (at delivery)	40,000 - 80,000 MAD
Optional finishes	150,000 - 300,000 MAD
Furnishing	300,000 - 500,000 MAD
TOTAL BUDGET	4,290,000 - 4,680,000 MAD

Resale Villa: Budget Example

Similar 4-bedroom villa, 300 m², 1,000 m² land - Route d'Amizmiz

Item	Amount
Negotiated seller price	4,800,000 MAD
Acquisition fees (10%)	480,000 MAD
Technical inspection	5,000 - 15,000 MAD
Refurbishment work	100,000 - 300,000 MAD
Additional furnishing	100,000 - 200,000 MAD
TOTAL BUDGET	5,485,000 - 5,795,000 MAD

Real Price Difference

Total difference between new and resale: 1,000,000 to 1,300,000 MAD (20-25%)

This apparent savings on new is offset by: delay risk (opportunity cost), impossibility of bank financing (immobilization of personal funds), risks of non-compliance or defects.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

For off-plan purchase to be profitable, requirements are: delivery on time (18-24 months maximum), quality conforming to promises, no hidden costs or additional work.

In case of 18-month delay, the opportunity cost (temporary rental + fund immobilization) can reach 300,000 - 500,000 MAD. The initial savings of 1,000,000 MAD then reduces to 500,000 - 700,000 MAD actual.

Legal Aspects and Security

VEFA in Morocco vs International

In Morocco, VEFA lacks protections compared to international standards. No mandatory escrow account (funds paid directly to developer). Payments not strictly linked to certified progress.

In France: funds held by notary, payments in tranches linked to progress, mandatory financial completion guarantee. In Dubai: RERA escrow account, fund release only after independent engineer certification.

In Spain: notary controls entire operation, bank guarantees protecting 100% of deposits.

Securing Off-Plan Purchase in Morocco

Essential verifications before commitment:

Developer reputation and solvency (financial statement, previous projects)
Existence of complete authorizations (building permit, VNA if necessary)
Specialized lawyer consultation for contract review
Penalty clauses in case of delay
Written completion guarantees
Regular documented site visits (dated photos)

Security advice:

Never transfer large sums to personal account
Require dedicated project account if possible
Payments conditional on progress verified by expert
Keep all written evidence and exchanges

Resale: Legal Verifications

Although more secure, resale also requires vigilance. Land title verification at Land Registry (no hidden mortgage or easement).

Urban planning consultation for construction compliance and absence of dispute. VNA verification if foreign buyer (essential for legal transaction).

Recent work invoices and transferable warranties. Precise condition report with photos before signing. Verification of up-to-date local taxes (no arrears).

Role of the Notary

Intervention	VEFA	Resale
Sale promise	❌ Absent (private agreement)	✅ Drafts and authenticates
Title verifications	⚠️ At delivery only	✅ From agreement
Fund blocking	❌ No (direct to developer)	✅ Deposit escrow
Transaction monitoring	❌ Absent during work	✅ Continuous monitoring
Authentic deed	✅ At delivery	✅ After agreement

Financing Options

Off-Plan Purchase Financing

Impossibility of classic bank credit: As long as the land title is not created, banks cannot grant mortgage credit. No mortgage guarantee possible on non-existent property.

Solution 1 - 100% personal funds: Staggered payment according to developer schedule (12-24 months). No bank interest but complete fund immobilization. Dominant solution for 85% of off-plan purchases.

Solution 2 - Personal loan (rare): Some banks grant non-allocated personal loan. High rates (8-12%) and limited duration (5-7 years). Limited amounts (generally max 500,000 MAD).

Solution 3 - Deferred credit (post-delivery): Bank preliminary approval before purchase. Credit activated at delivery once title obtained. Allows planning but personal funds needed during construction.

VEFA financing example: Villa 3,800,000 MAD, staggered payment: Reservation (10%): 380,000 MAD cash. 6 months later (20%): 760,000 MAD. 12 months later (30%): 1,140,000 MAD. Delivery (40%): 1,520,000 MAD. Total immobilization: 3,800,000 MAD over 18-24 months.

Resale Purchase Financing

Classic mortgage: Accessible with existing land title. Duration: 10-25 years depending on profile (foreigners max 10 years, MRE up to 20 years). Minimum down payment: 20-30% of price for foreigners, 10-20% for MRE.

Interest rates: 5.5-8% depending on profile and down payment. Monthly payments: maximum 35-40% of monthly income.

Resale financing example: Villa 4,800,000 MAD, 15-year credit:

Element	Amount
Villa price	4,800,000 MAD
Down payment 30%	1,440,000 MAD
Credit 70%	3,360,000 MAD
Rate 6.5%	15 years
Monthly payment	29,280 MAD
Total credit cost	5,270,400 MAD
Total interest	1,910,400 MAD

Advantage: only down payment immediately immobilized. Disadvantage: credit cost adds 40% to initial price.

Comparative Financial Advantage

VEFA: savings of 1,000,000 MAD on price but total fund immobilization. Resale: credit possibility reducing initial down payment to 1,440,000 MAD (vs 3,800,000 MAD in VEFA).

For investor with 1,500,000 MAD: VEFA impossible (insufficient funds). Resale possible with credit (1,440,000 MAD down payment).

Specific Risks of Each Option

Major VEFA Risks

1. Delivery Delay (70% Probability)

Frequent delays of 6 to 24 months. Causes: developer financing problems, material shortages, land conflicts, administrative delays.

Impact: temporary rental cost (180,000 - 360,000 MAD for 18 months), loss of planned rental income, opportunity cost on immobilized funds.

2. Defects and Non-Compliance (40% Probability)

Quality inferior to commercial promises. Poor finishes, lower quality materials. Actual areas less than plans (up to -10%).

Correction cost: 100,000 - 500,000 MAD additional work.

3. Developer Insolvency (15% Probability)

Construction stoppage due to bankruptcy or financial problems. Deposits paid difficult or impossible to recover. Long (2-5 years) and costly legal proceedings.

Potential loss: 30-100% of amounts paid.

4. No Bank Credit

Complete immobilization of personal funds for 18-36 months. Impossibility of diversification or other investments. Missed opportunities during construction period.

5. Unverified Environment

Developing area: uncertain final quality. Promised infrastructure sometimes not realized (roads, shops). Unknown neighborhood until move-in.

Resale Risks (Limited)

1. Unforeseen Work (30% Probability)

Hidden problems discovered after purchase: humidity, cracks, defective plumbing. Cost: 50,000 - 300,000 MAD depending on severity.

Solution: technical inspection before purchase (5,000 - 15,000 MAD).

2. Property Overvaluation (20% Probability)

Price inflated by seller or agent. Market decline after purchase (rare in Marrakech currently).

Solution: independent valuation, market comparison via similar villas.

3. Legal Problems (5% Probability)

Hidden easements, undeclared mortgages, land disputes. Solution: exhaustive verifications by notary and lawyer.

Overall Risk Comparison

Risk Type	VEFA	Resale
Financial risk	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very high	⭐⭐ Low
Time risk	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Frequent delays	⭐ None
Quality risk	⭐⭐⭐⭐ High	⭐⭐ Low (visible)
Legal risk	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Significant	⭐⭐ Controlled
Total loss risk	⭐⭐⭐ Possible (15%)	⭐ Very rare (<2%)

Timelines and Availability

Off-Plan Purchase Timeline

Stage	Timeline
Reservation and promise	Week 1
Work start	Month 0-3
Main structure	Month 3-9
Secondary work	Month 9-15
Finishes	Month 15-18
Planned delivery	Month 18-24
Actual delivery (delays)	Month 24-36
Authentic deed	Month 24-36
REALISTIC TOTAL	24-36 months

During this period: impossibility to live in or rent property, funds completely immobilized, regular site monitoring necessary.

Resale Purchase Timeline

Stage	Timeline
Search and visits	2-8 weeks
Negotiation and offer	1-2 weeks
Sale agreement	1 week
Legal verifications	3-4 weeks
Credit arrangement (if needed)	4-6 weeks
Authentic deed	1 day
Key handover	Immediate
TOTAL	2-3 months

Immediate availability for habitation or rental. Revenue generation from rental starting month 3-4.

Opportunity Cost

30-month difference between VEFA and resale represents major opportunity cost. On 4,500,000 MAD villa with rental potential 5,000 MAD/night:

Lost revenue 30 months: 150 nights/year × 5,000 MAD × 2.5 years = 1,875,000 MAD gross
Net lost revenue (after 40% expenses): 1,125,000 MAD

This loss completely cancels the initial savings of 1,000,000 MAD on purchase price.

Which Purchase for Which Investor Profile?

VEFA Profile: Patient and Informed Investor

Choose off-plan purchase if:

You have sufficient personal funds (100% of price)
You don't need the property for 2-3 years
You accept complete immobilization of your funds
You can assume risks (delays, defects)
You have time and capacity for regular site monitoring
You aim for maximum long-term capital gain
You wish to customize certain finishes
Optimized budget is absolute priority

Typical profile: Experienced investor, financially autonomous, no urgency, risk-tolerant, regularly present in Marrakech.

Resale Profile: Pragmatic Investor

Choose resale purchase if:

You seek maximum security and visibility
You wish to use or rent property quickly
You prefer bank financing (mortgage)
You don't have complete personal funds
You want to verify actual condition before commitment
You prioritize peace of mind
You are first-time investor
You seek immediate rental income

Typical profile: Prudent investor, first Marrakech purchase, need financing, short-term rental project, limited availability for monitoring.

Specific Cases

Retirees / Second home: Favor resale (immediate availability, known condition, no site monitoring).

MRE investors: Resale often more suitable (facilitated bank credit access, 15-20 year duration possible).

Rental investors: Resale recommended (immediate profitability, no unproductive waiting).

Developers/Professionals: VEFA conceivable if market expertise and risk management capability.

Celestia Invest Recommendations

Our Position

At Celestia Invest, we predominantly recommend resale purchases for our international clients. This preference is explained by the clearly favorable risk/benefit ratio.

The apparent 15-25% savings in VEFA is too often canceled by: costly delays, defects requiring work, impossibility to generate revenue during waiting, multiple stress and complications.

When We Recommend New Construction

We support off-plan purchases only if: recognized developer with impeccable track record (on-time deliveries), very advanced project (>50% construction completed), solid contractual guarantees and delay penalties, client has comfortable personal funds, reinforced legal support.

Under these conditions, off-plan purchase can offer excellent value for money.

Our Specific Support

For resale: Selection of verified quality villas, accompanied visits and detailed analyses, optimal negotiations (5-10% savings), exhaustive legal verifications, bank credit connection, complete follow-up to keys.

For new (selected cases): Complete developer and project audit, verification of all authorizations (VNA, permits), contract review by specialized lawyer, negotiation of protective clauses, regular site monitoring with reports, delivery and handover support.

Discover our selection of ready-to-live villas.

Conclusion: Security First

Between off-plan villa and resale villa in Marrakech, the choice depends on your profile, budget and risk tolerance. But one reality stands out: the Moroccan VEFA market lacks standard international protections.

The 15-25% savings on new is attractive but carries significant risks. Delays, defects, impossibility of bank financing and fund immobilization create important hidden costs.

Resale offers security, visibility and immediate availability. The initial premium is offset by peace of mind, accessible bank credit and rapid generation of rental income.

For 90% of international investors, resale purchase represents the most judicious choice. With Celestia Invest, access an exclusive portfolio of villas in excellent condition, negotiated prices and total legal security.